My Home Era: How to Choose the RIght Type of Home for YOur Life Right Now
Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision, It’s a life decision. One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that there’s a “right “ type of home everyone should be working toward.
The truth is simpler and more freeing: theres no one right home, only the right home for the era of life you’re in.
Recently, the conversations I’ve been having with people include two questions. When is the right time to buy (to which the answer is always - when your life dictates it’s best) and what style of home is the best to go with for their lifestyle.
That’s where the idea of your Home Era came in. My years as a realtor has shown a pattern that people tend to go from one to the other (condo, townhome, detached, detached on acres) as they progress in life, family size and finances. However, there is no beginning or end to this.
What is a Home Era?
Your home era reflects your current lifestyle, priorities, and capacity, not where you think you’re “suppose” to be.
Some people need simplicity. Some need flexibility. Some are ready to put down roots. Others are thinking long term and spacious.
All of these are valid. And all of them are homeownership.
Below are some of the most common home eras my Baltimore clients tend to gravitate through and to.
The condo era: Simplicity, location, and ease
The condo era is often about ease and access.
THis home style can be a great fit if you value:
Low maintenance living
Walkable neighborhoods or city access
Predictable costs
A simplistic lifestyle
For many buyers, condos are an entry point into homeownership. For others, they’re a conscious choice…especially for those downsizing or prioritizing lifestyle over space.
This era isnt about settling (have you seen Baltimore condos? They aren’t settling.) It’s about flexibility.
The Townhome Era: Balance and Breathing Room
Townhomes often appeal to people who want:
More space than a condo
Less maintenance than a detached (non HOA) home
A sense of community
Room to grow without overextending
This era is about balance. It’s a middle ground that works well for growing families, remote work, or buyers who want a bit more privacy without full responsibility for a large property.
For many, this is the era where home starts to feel more permanent, but still manageable.
The Detached Home Era: Roots and Personalization
The detached home era is usually tied to stability and personalization.
Buyers in this stage often want:
Private outdoor space
Freedom to customize
A stronger sense of place
More internal square footage
This doesn’t mean “ bigger is better”. It means your life supports and benefits from the responsibility that come with a stand-alone non HOA home.
This era is about creating a space that fits and reflects you.
the land or acreage era: Long term Vision
For some buyers, the dream extends beyond them and the house itself.
This era is about:
Space and privacy
Lifestyle choices (gardening, animals, quiet)
Long term planning
Legacy and future use
Homes with average aren’t about rushing, they are about intention. Many people in this era are planning for years and generations ahead even if the purchase isn’t immediate.
You’re not behind. You are in a DIFFERENT era
One of the biggest myths in life is that everyone should be moving along the same path at the same pace. The myth is the same in real estate.
In reality, people move between eras:
A condo today, a townhome later
A detached home first, then to a condo for simpler living
Renting now then buying land
All of it is valid.
The most successful homebuyers I work with aren’t chasing the societal definition of where they should be - they are grounding themselves in what actually fits their life and plan.
thinking about buying a home?
If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, next year or much further out, the first step isn’t choosing a price point or neighborhood.
It’s understanding your era.
If you’re thinking about ever want help talking that through, I’m always open to the conversation.
Because the right home isn’t about speed. It’s about fit.